Category Archive

We slowly made our way past floor after floor, winding around what sometimes seemed like endless stairways, up, up, up, towards the water tower. We were a few floors down from the tower when Lisa paused to tell us a bit about the history of the most iconic part of the Crosstown building. The air was still and a bit …

In case you missed it, here’s where we’ve already been on out Sears Crosstown tour: Sears Crosstown Part 1: An Intro to the Tour Sears Crosstown Part 2: We’ve Entered the Building Sears Crosstown Part 3: The Machinery Room Today we’ll explore one of my favorite features of the Crosstown building – those giant chutes! The top floors of the …

In case you’re just now joining our tour, here’s what we’ve already explored: Sears Crosstown Part 1: An Intro to the Tour Sears Crosstown Part 2: We’ve Entered the Building Today we’re heading into the machinery room, which will be demolished. I loved this room and the pictures everyone took. So today’s post is basically just a feast for the …

It’s the post you’ve eagerly been waiting for where we take you along on one of the last tours of the Sears Crosstown building. If you haven’t been waiting eagerly you probably missed “Sears Crosstown: An Intro to the Tour” by Rebecca. We’re going to start our blog tour with a little introduction to the sheer size of the Sears …

mix•ol•o•gist [mik-sol-uh-jist] noun a person skilled in making mixed drinks; bartender. Though there is some hesitancy in dubbing a mixologist the same as a bartender. A bartender is expected to know a large mass of common and popular cocktails, serve many people at once, and put on the charm like a late 1980’s Tom Cruise. A mixologist, on the other hand, is …

The Sears Crosstown building sits recognizably vacant and lonely at the corner of N. Parkway and N. Watkins. If today this building, which measures at 1.5 million square feet or the size of 27 football fields, could speak it would surely say it feels “different” or “not wanted” among all the residential homes and small shops surrounding it. However, there …

I’m pleased to bring you a guest post by John Stevenson on Libertyland today. Even if you spent your childhood at the park, this post is sure to bring back lots of memories. Or if you’re like me and didn’t get to Memphis in time to truly experience the park you’ll get a small taste of what a wonderful little …

I had the lucky opportunity to sit down for a few minutes with Robin Tucker a couple weeks ago to chat about none other than the Beauty Shop. Her aunt did Priscilla Presley’s hair back when it was called Atkins Barber Shop and Beauty Salon… and lo’ and behold she ended up returning to her roots, so to speak, and …

Balton Sign Co. has had their hands on many great and recognizable signs in and around Memphis, including the giant letters that stand on the storefront of Ross and Hollywood Feed. But more interestingly is discovering how many signs they’ve worked on, including several we are researching for this book. Beginning in 1875 under the name Balton & Sons Sign …

Step into Young Avenue Deli and you won’t just find pool tables in the room across the bar, you’ll notice, against the far wall, a formation of old arcade machines. I hope most will agree, whether played or not, these machines generate nostalgic hospitality. Pac-man (or girl), Mega-man, Mortal Combat, Donkey Kong, and the list goes on… These are …

MTH 101:

Memphis Type History is a project by Caitlin Horton and Rebecca Phillips. We collect your stories and search out the rumor and lore behind Memphis' greatest signs and best historical places. This is Memphis as Memphians know it.